The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Orange County, CA Events

Feb 15 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: Humanist Association of Orange County Carole Copp will present a talk on the "Evolution of Evolution" for our Darwin Day program. More details will be given later.Irvine Ranch Water District building located at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine, CA 92618 ochumanists.org

Feb 19-21 Thursday-Saturday 7-9pm, Irvine: The Vagina Monologues UCI - PSLH 100As part of the 2009 V-Day College Campaign, the students of UCI are proud to present a benefit production of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for local organizations working to end violence against women and girls.V-Day College Campaign events are independently organized by students and listings on V-Day's web-site do not imply the endorsement or official sanction of any institution. Cost of the performance is $10 For more information, call Stephen Marley at 909.319.4326

Feb 21 (3rd Saturday) 2pm, Irvine: Dr. Sidney Golub will be speaking to the Orange County chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church & State The event is at the Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. Dr. Golub is an expert on the public policy issues of stem cell research. He is affiliated with the UCI School of Medicine Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department. His major interests center around issues of science policy; including ethical issues in research, the funding of medical research, conflicts between public expectations and research priorities, and publication policy for research information. Stem cells are an important challenge for the development of science policy in this country, and Dr. Golub has focused on understanding the variations of policy among the states, between the states and the federal government, and between the USA and other technologically advanced countries. Even before the inauguration of President Obama, who supports stem cell research, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops warned that permitting this research will alienate millions. Abortion opponents are also bracing for a fight. Medical researchers, meanwhile, are rejoicing at the prospect of freedom from a government policy they say has stymied efforts to develop lifesaving treatments. No one knows more about this than our speaker; please join us for a fascinating discussion. Steph Campbell Americans United Orange County meets at 2:00 pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month Check the web site for programs and location: au-oc.org 714-299-4551

"The lessons of religious toleration ? a toleration which recognizes complete liberty of human thought, liberty of conscience ? is one which, by precept and example, must be inculcated in the hearts and minds of all Americans if the institutions of our democracy are to be maintained and perpetuated." --Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Feb 25 Wednesday 11:30am, Irvine: Women For: Orange County "Legal and Ethical Issues of Health Care" Irvine Ranch Water District's Duck Club 5 Riparian View, Irvine (at the San Joaquin Preserve) The Duck Club is located at the end of Riparian View. Riparian View intersects Michelson Dr. between Culver Dr. & Jamboree Rd. Turn onto Riparian View toward the open space. Follow the signs for one mile to the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Free and open to the public ~ Men are cordially invited Refreshments at 2:00 p.m. For recorded information: 714.590.7804 womenforoc.org womenforoc@aol.com

Feb 28 Saturday 1pm, Irvine: Orange County Equality Coalition OCEquality.org CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY!! Be a part of the largest growing movement for equal rights in Orange County!The mission of the Orange County Equality Coalition is to develop and sustain an infrastructure that enables the attainment of equality for all through education, dialogue, and advocacy. Irvine United Congregational Church, 4915 Alton Pkwy, Irvine facebook.com/group.php?gid=92930760636 ocequality@gmail.com

Mar 1 Sundays 5:30pm, Santa Ana: Conscious Cinema: King Corn Two college friends decide to grow an acre of corn and trace its use.the road less traveled store, along with @Space gallery are hosting free documentary screenings on thought provoking documentaries every Sunday until March 1st. Complimentary hot tea available during shows (screenings will be held in @ Space Gallery at 2202 north main). 714.836.8727 roadlesstraveledstore.com

Mar 4 Wednesday 7:30pm Irvine: "Never Again? A Darfur Refugee Speaks" with Adam Abakar."Darfur Today." University Synagogue Tikkun Olam Committee, Jewish World Watch and Irvine United Congregational Church will sponsor, at University Synagogue, with Adam Abakar, a refugee from Darfur, who will share his riveting and painful odyssey. Free. Refreshments will follow the presentation University Synagogue, 3400 Michelson, Irvine

Mar 6 (1st Friday) 6:30-9pm, Orange: Friday Night Film Series - Women and WarInterwoven with gripping footage from recent conflicts in the Middle East, Bosnia, northern Uganda, and South Africa, this compelling program captures women's personal experiences of military violence, explains how they survived, and reflects on their growing resistance to war. The women's feelings of loss, uncertainty, and anguish are expressed through stories of cruelty, degradation, and psychological trauma, while their attempts to achieve reconciliation and rebuild shattered communities demonstrate their positive efforts to create a more peaceful future for everyone. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange present films that raise awareness and encourage conversation about the dynamic, ever-changing, systemic and critical needs of our world. Through a variety of titles and topics, attendees explore what it means to live a life in relationship with each other, our neighbors and the whole community of life. The evening includes refreshments, dialogue and possible opportunities for action. 6:30 - 7:00 Gathering and Refreshments 7:00 - 8:00 Film Showing 8:00 - 9:00 Discussion Mother Louis Room 480 S. Batavia St., Orange, CA 92868-3998 714-633-8121x7716 Justice@csjorange.org sistersofstjosephorange.org/calendar.php?ID=82

Mar 15 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: Humanist Association of Orange County Dave Silva will speak on the influence of Humanism on Science Fiction, and vice versa.Irvine Ranch Water District building located at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine, CA 92618 ochumanists.org

Mar 21 Saturday 2:00pm, Irvine: Americans United for Separation of Church and State "Are We A Christian Nation?" with Steph Campbell. Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. For more information see au-oc.org, email orangecountyau@yahoo.com or call 714-299-4551

Mar 25 Wednesday 6:45, Tustin: Meaningful Movie Night: "For the Bible Tells Me So" Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. All movies will be shown on Wednesday nights at 6:45 pm in the Sanctuary. Cost: Free Location: Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1201 Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA 92780 Wednesday Night Dinners begin at 6:00 pm - all are welcome. Cost: $4.00 per person, $12.00 maximum per family

Mar 27 (4th Friday) 7pm, Newport Beach: A Traveling Conscientious Projector: "Branded" Congregational Church of Fullerton, 845 N Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832 Branded is a documentary that explores the stories of the children, women and men that have been forever seared by the world of prostitution. St.Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Juaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Fourth Friday Film Festival 6:30 Gathering 7:00 Film Showing 8:15 Discussion Issues of Social Justice: To Educate, Communicate & Reflect in Community.For more information, contact Erin Weller at eweller@pcu-la.org or (714) 721-6554.